Anxiety

Anxiety is an uncomfortable feeling of fear or of impending disaster and is a normal emotional response to danger. Everyone feels anxiety at some stage in their lives, and it is only when it interferes with daily life and activities that it becomes a problem and requires professional help. Anxiety or constant worry about financial situations, retirement, relationships and work can all impact on individuals and can be countered through a number of self help strategies as well as professional advice from your doctor.

Common symptoms of anxiety include:

• irritability, or being in a constantly bad mood
• difficulty concentrating and getting to/staying asleep
• apprehension or a constant feeling that something bad is about to happen
• muscle tension and headaches
• rapid heart rate and breathing/Dry mouth or difficulty swallowing
• nightmares/Trembling/Diarrhoea/Illness flare up/sweating

To alleviate anxiety there are a number of coping strategies that can be highly effective:

• Look at the things that are causing you stress and if possible change your lifestyle to avoid or confront those things.
• An improvement in your overall health and well being through a healthy diet, regular exercise and the practice of utilising relaxation and breathing techniques can all reduce anxiety.
• Communicate regularly with friends and family, or your local counsellor or pastor. Let them know your feelings and listen to their advice.

The Anxiety Treatment Australia site has been developed by several Victorian Psychologists and provides information on anxiety disorders, treatment options, psychologists who treat anxiety, group therapy and workshops, support groups, articles, depression, resources, and links.